The Old Fashioned Recipe

The Old Fashioned is one of the world’s best-loved and best-known cocktails, a classic drink that represents the elegance of traditional mixology. With its simple yet refined combination of whisky, sugar and bitters, the Old Fashioned recipe is perfect for those who want a drink with an authentic flavour. In this guide you will discover how to best prepare the Old Fashioned recipe, a must for every cocktail lover. The history of the Old Fashioned begins in the 19th century, when cocktails were made with a simple mix of sugar, water and alcohol. It is said that the first Old Fashioned recipe originated at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, where it was served to wealthy customers. Over the years, the Old Fashioned has retained its identity, becoming the drink of choice for those seeking pure and distinct flavours. The Old Fashioned is so loved that it was declared the official cocktail of the city of Louisville, where the first Old Fashioned recipe originated. Moreover, thanks to the TV series Mad Men, in which the main character Don Draper drinks countless versions of it, the Old Fashioned is back in the limelight among the most popular cocktails in bars all over the world.
OK but let’s get down to business, how do you prepare the iconic Old Fashioned?
The Perfect Old Fashioned Recipe is a matter of experience, patience and the right products in the right quantities. Let’s look at the ingredients and steps required to prepare the Old Fashioned recipe like a real bartender:

Ingredients for the Old Fashioned Recipe:

• 45 ml rye or bourbon whisky
• 1 sugar cube (or 1 teaspoon caster sugar)
• 2-3 drops of Angostura bitters
• A few drops of water
• Ice
• Orange peel
• Maraschino cherry (optional)

Preparation of the Old Fashioned Recipe:

• Sugar preparation: In a shallow glass (also known as an Old Fashioned glass), place a sugar cube, add drops of Angostura bitters and water. Use a muddler to crush the sugar until dissolved, stirring lightly with a bar spoon.
• Adding ice: Fill the glass with ice. The quality of the ice is essential for a perfect Old Fashioned; therefore, opt for large cubes or a single block, which will cool the cocktail without diluting it too much.
• Pour the whisky: Add 60 ml of your favourite whisky. Whisky or bourbon is at the heart of the Old Fashioned recipe; therefore, choose a quality bottle to get the most out of your drink.
• Stir and decorate: Gently stir and garnish with an orange peel, which you can squeeze lightly over the glass to release the essential oils. Add the zest to the drink to enhance the aroma of your Old Fashioned.

Tips for making a perfect Old Fashioned:

A good old fashioned is based on the quality of the ingredients and attention to detail. Here are some tips for achieving a flawless result

• Quality ice: Use large cubes or clear blocks of ice to avoid watering down the cocktail too quickly.
• Choose the right whisky: The choice of whisky or bourbon is crucial for a balanced Old Fashioned. Opt for a quality product to enhance each sip.
• Don’t overdo the bitters: Although bitters are essential for the complex taste of the Old Fashioned, an excess can overpower the other flavours.

Variants of the Old Fashioned recipe:

Although the classic Old Fashioned recipe remains the most popular, there are some interesting variations you can try:

• Old Fashioned Smoked: Before pouring the whisky, smoke the glass with wood shavings for a sophisticated smoky flavour.
• Old Fashioned with Rum: Replace the whisky with a dark rum for a sweeter, more tropical version of the Old Fashioned recipe.
• Old Fashioned with Fruit: Add a slice of orange and a crushed cherry together with sugar for a fruity note.